rssOct 4, 2026, 06:33

Full trash container? A 'fill-level sensor' may sound the alarm in the future

The municipality of Amsterdam is testing fill-level sensors in waste containers to optimize collection routes and reduce overflow. A trial with glass containers has already shown that smarter monitoring can improve efficiency, with plans to expand the sensor program by 2028.

The municipality of Amsterdam is evaluating the implementation of fill-level sensors in waste containers to prevent overflow and littering. Currently, a trial involving 1500 glass containers has demonstrated that many are being emptied prematurely, suggesting that collection routes could be optimized for greater efficiency. The local government is conducting a market study and further testing to develop a solid business case, with the goal of equipping most containers with this technology by early 2028.

While officials acknowledge that these sensors will not eliminate all waste-related issues, such as illegal dumping or broken infrastructure, they view them as a key tool for smarter resource management. By monitoring fill levels in real-time, the city aims to reduce unnecessary collection trips and improve overall sanitation standards. Although the current project seeks to modernize the waste collection process, the municipality notes that human behavior and maintenance issues will remain significant factors in keeping streets clean across the city.

Politics Economy Business Technology Amsterdam

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Municipalities spend 185 million a year on tech giant Microsoft: 'Amount shows the extent of dependency'

Dutch municipalities spent roughly 185 million euros on Microsoft products in 2025, highlighting a deep dependency on American tech companies. Experts and officials are concerned that this reliance contradicts national goals for digital autonomy and suggests a missed opportunity to invest in local software developers.

Screen Time | Trump fans the AI flames further as regulations remain absent

President Donald Trump and tech executives have agreed to a set of voluntary safety standards for artificial intelligence, though critics argue that self-regulation is insufficient compared to formal legislation. Meanwhile, domestic news includes the arrest of a Dutch hacker and the launch of a new cycling weather app in Amsterdam.

Halsema: number of tourists must be curbed, even if it costs the hospitality industry visitors

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has stated that the city must actively reduce the number of annual tourists to protect local livability and curb negative issues like waste. Although she acknowledges that limiting visitors may negatively affect hospitality revenue, she argues that the environmental and social costs of mass tourism are no longer sustainable.

Katwijk gives green light: US multibillion-dollar obesity drug plant approved

The municipality of Katwijk has approved the construction of a large-scale Eli Lilly pharmaceutical factory focused on obesity and diabetes medication. The project is supported by a 100 million euro government deal to improve local infrastructure and housing, though it faces ongoing scrutiny over high water and energy consumption.

Space found for 300 Amsterdam businesses on the city's congested power grid

Grid operator Liander has managed to connect 305 businesses in Amsterdam by expanding substation capacity and introducing flexible energy contracts to manage peak demand. Despite these efforts, hundreds of companies remain on a waiting list due to ongoing grid congestion, with long-term solutions hampered by the complex challenge of acquiring sufficient land for new infrastructure.